Basketball

Basketball is a team sport in which two teams, typically consisting of five players each, compete to score points by shooting a ball through the opposing team’s hoop or basket. The game is played on a rectangular court with a hoop elevated 10 feet above the ground at each end. Players can score points by making field goals from various distances or by free throws awarded after certain fouls. Basketball emphasizes skills such as dribbling, shooting, passing, and teamwork. It is played both professionally and recreationally around the world, and is known for its fast pace and high-scoring nature. The sport originated in the United States in the late 19th century and has since evolved into a major global phenomenon, with professional leagues, international competitions, and collegiate levels of play.